WHEN TO CHOOSE A CHEMICAL PEEL OVER OTHER MODALITIES NEW FRONTIERS - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

WHEN TO CHOOSE A CHEMICAL PEEL OVER OTHER MODALITIES

NEW FRONTIERS IN COSMETIC MEDICINE AND MEDICAL DERMATOLOGY (NFCMMD) NOVEMBER 2019 KSENIYA GOLUBETS, MD, MHS SKIN AND LASER SURGERY SPECIALISTS OF NY & NJ

INTRO TO PEELS

• According to the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery and the American Society for

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery … between 596,000 and 603,305 chemical peel procedures were performed in 2015, an increase of 25% compared with the previous year.1,2

• 1. American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2015 cosmetic surgery national data bank statistics. Available from: http://www.surgery.org/ sites/default/files/ASAPS-

Stats2015.pdf. Accessed February 2, 2017.

• 2. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. ASDS survey: nearly 10 million treatments performed in 2015. Available from: https://www. asds.net/_Media.aspx?id=9449.

Accessed February 2, 2017.

PROS & CONS OF A PEEL

PROS:

• Low cost
• No need for numbing
• Relatively less risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation

(PIH) in skin of color patients (no heat energy)

• Less risk of worsening melasma patients (no heat energy)
• Indicated for treating active acne and acne scarring

CONS:

• ”Flaking” and “peeling” like a snake peeling vs rough

texture/scabs after a laser

• Unpredictable results, varying skin thickness, skincare and

prior peel hx dictates depth of penetration and this side effect profile

• Scarring with deep peels, since confluent (not

fractionated) necrosis at the level lower reticular dermis

• Hypopigmentation with deep peels

TYPES OF PEELS

• 1. Salicylic acid (SA)
• 2. Glycolic acid (GA)
• 3. Pyruvic acid (PA)
• 4. Lactic acid (LA)
• 5. Mandelic acid (MA)
• 6. Jessner solution (JS)
• 7. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)
• 8. Retinoic acid
• 9. Phenol
• 10. Croton Oil
• 11. Combination Peels

SKIN ANATOMY

Subcutaneous Connective tissue Proteins Fibroblasts/fibrocytes Smaller vessels Nerve endings Lymph ducts

• 6. Illustrated guide to chemical peels. Rubin et al. 2014. 1st Ed.

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE TYPE OF PEEL?

• Determine main concerns and goals of patient (pigment, pores,

wrinkles, acne, acne scarring)

• Determine downtime patient has (2-3 days, vs 1 week)
• Determine budget (deeper peels cost more because have increased

risk)

• Establish expectations (next slide)

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE TYPE OF PEEL?

Establish expectations:

• Not all brown spots fade, and may require multiple treatments as well

as possible laser or electrodessication in future

• Prepare patients for days to 1 week of flaking/peeling
• No sun exposure for 2-4 wk pre-post tx depending on depth
• Patient compliance with topicals and sun protection

MOST COMMON SKIN COMPLAINTS – TREATED BY CHEMICAL PEELING?

Skin texture:

• dull skin (scaly, dry, sundamaged) YES!
• crepey skin and fine lines (eyes,

smoker’s lines, buccal) YES!

• large pores, seborrheic keratoses,

sebaceous hyperplasia – PARTLY!

• acne YES!
• acne scarring PARTLY

Skin discoloration

• sun spots (ephelides, lentigines) PARTLY
• melasma PARTLY

Connective tissue loss: start early to prevent face-lifts!!

• Hooding, crow’s feet and teartrough –

PARTLY with DEEPER PEELS, plus volumizers and surgical lifts

TYPES OF PEELS

• Chemical peels induce all 3 stages of tissue replacement:
• destruction, elimination, and regeneration, all under

controlled inflammation

• Classified based on their histologic depth of skin

penetration:

• Superficial peels: destroy keratinocytes down to the level of

stratum spinosum and stratum basale

• Medium peels: penetrate to mid-reticular dermis
• Deep: part or all mid-reticular dermis
• 1. Dewandre L, Tenenbaum A. The chemistry of peels: a hypothesis of action mechanisms and a proposal of a new classification of chemical peelings. In: Tung RC, Rubin MG,
• editors. Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology Series: Chemical Peels (2nd ed). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2011; pp. 1–16.
• 2. Tse Y. Choosing the correct peel for the appropriate patient. In: Tung RC, Rubin MG, editors. Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology Series: Chemical Peels (2nd ed). Philadelphia,

PA: Saunders; 2011; pp. 17–22.

• 3. Image: http://www.theperfectdermapeel.com/types-of-chemical-peels/

ACTION OF VARIOUS CHEMICAL PEELS

Kontochristopoulos G, Platsidaki E. Chemical peels in active acne and acne scars. Clin Dermatol. 2017 Mar - Apr;35(2):179-182. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2016.10.011. Epub 2016 Oct 27. PubMed PMID: 28274356.

DEPTH OF CHEMICAL PEELS

VARIABLES AFFECTING ACTION & DEPTH OF PEEL:

• Skin type (sebaceous vs crepey/thin)
• Anatomic location of peel: neck/chest vs face (face is safer with more

pilocebaceous units)

• Priming of skin with RA/HQ weeks to months leading to the peel (retinols,

lightening agents)

• Peeling agent & volume of peeling agent (number of passes)

VARIABLES AFFECTING ACTION & DEPTH OF PEEL (CONT):

• Concentration of peeling agent (i.e. more control with lower concentrations)
• Application pressure and type of gauze (smooth, rough)
• Degreasing prior to peel (alcohol, acetone)
• Immediate preceding procedures (lasers– alter epidermal barrier, recent peels)
• 5. Sadick, Moy, Lawrence, Hirsch - Concise Manual of Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery. McGraw Hill, 2008
• 4. Jackson

Classification of Chemical Peels by Depth of Injury Peel Type Depth (um) Level Injury Agent Superficial- very light <100 Exfoliating stratum corneum, +/- stratum granulosum Low potency AHA Salicylic acid 10-20% TCA Retinoic acid Superficial- light 100 Necrosis of entire epidermis to basal layer, stimulate regeneration of new epithelium 40-70% GA/AHA 22-30% TCA Jessners solution ViPeel Medium depth 200 Wound epidermis and papillary dermis, +/- upper reticular dermis; new collagen production 22-50% TCA (not recommended) Jessner + 35% TCA 70% glycolic+ 35% TCA Hetter VL (phenol) Deep >400 Necrosis of part or all mid reticular dermis; new collagen production >50% TCA Hetter Baker-Gordon peel

Modified from Table 1: Facial Plast Surg. 2014 Feb;30(1):26-34. doi: 10.1055/s-0033-1364220. Epub 2014 Jan 31.

VIPEEL: LIGHT TO MEDIUM DEPTH PEEL

• The Vi Peel is a premixed formula containing

TCA (10–12% in alcohol), phenol (10–12%), salicylic acid (10–12%), tretinoin (0.1–0.4%), and 4% vitamin C

• Can use on face, eyelids, chest, hands and back
• Phenol is numbing
• Phenol concentration is low, so do not need

cardiopulmonary monitoring

Facial Plast Surg. 2014 Feb;30(1):26-34. doi: 10.1055/s-0033-1364220. Epub 2014 Jan 31.

JESSNERS PEEL:

• Light to medium peeling
• Components:
• Salicylic acid
• Resorcinol (protein coagulation and

necrotizing)

• AHA (lactic acid)
• Ethanol (96%)

Classification of Chemical Peels by Depth of Injury Peel Type Depth (um) Level Injury Agent Superficial- very light <100 Exfoliating stratum corneum, +/- stratum granulosum Low potency AHA Salicylic acid 10-120% TCA Retinoic acid Superficial- light 100 Necrosis of entire epidermis to basal layer, stimulate regeneration of new epithelium 40-70% GA/AHA 22-30% TCA Jessner solution ViPeel Medium depth 200 Wound epidermis and papillary dermis, +/- upper reticular dermis; new collagen production 22-50% TCA (not recommended) Jessner + 35% TCA 70% glycolic+ 35% TCA Hetter VL (phenol) Deep >400 Necrosis of part or all mid reticular dermis; new collagen production >50% TCA Hetter Baker-Gordon peel

Modified from Table 1: Facial Plast Surg. 2014 Feb;30(1):26-34. doi: 10.1055/s-0033-1364220. Epub 2014 Jan 31.

MEDIUM - DEPTH PEELS

• Medium-depth peels are generally done as a single procedure (or every 3-12 mos)

due to the level of wound injury and the continued clinical improvement months after treatment

• Classic medium-depth peel was 40 to 50% TCA because of its ability to improve

fine rhytides, actinic damage, and “preneoplasias”

• generally no longer used as a single-agent peel due to the high risk of complications, namely,

scarring and dyspigmentation, when TCA >50%

• Current use of medium-depth chemical peels utilizes 35% TCA with an initial

application of a “priming” agent, such as Jessner solution, 70% glycolic acid

• As a result of the damage to the epidermis produced with the initial peel, the level
• f TCA penetration is deep and better controlled

• Monheit. Dermatol Clin. 2001 Jul;19(3):405-11.
• Jackson. Facial Plast Surg. 2014 Feb;30(1):26-34. doi: 10.1055/s-0033-1364220. Epub 2014 Jan 31.
• Combination peels are thought to be as

effective, but with better safety profile as compared to 50% TCA

• Coleman peel - 70% glycolic acid + 35% TCA

peel

• Monheit peel - Jessner solution + 35% TCA peel
• *** Of note, glycolic acid peels need to be

neutralized within 2 minutes to inhibit further penetration of the chemical agents

COMBINATION MEDIUM DEPTH PEELS

OBAGI (TCA) BLUE PEEL

• TCA coagulates proteins, smooths deep wrinkles and tightens
• Can be superficial or medium depth peeling
• 10% can be used for epidermal (superficial) peel
• Don’t use greater than 20-25% on skin with decreased

pilosebaceous units (i.e. neck/chest), since increased scarring

• However, be aware that VOLUME of TCA peel (even lower

concentrations) can be made to penetrate to a particular depth

• Mixing a set volume of TCA and blue dye

(glycerin, saponins, nonionic blue color base)

• More homogeneous TCA-oil-water solution
• Delayed penetration
• Allows to stop at desired depth if doing medium

peel, and increasing safety margin

• This results in SOLID white frost (only ok for

facial skin

Obagi et al 1999

• Split face study of 15 patients with widespread actinic damage
• Jessner-35% TCA has demonstrated similar resolution of widespread facial actinic keratoses as

compared with 5-fluorouracil cream

• Prior to peel 2 week course of tretinoin cream at bedtime
• F/u of 12 mos with lasting results in both Jessner/TCA and 5FU group, and both produced 75%

reduction in AKs

Lawrence N. Arch Dermatol. 1995 Feb;131(2):176-81.

Classification of Chemical Peels by Depth of Injury Peel Type Depth (um) Level Injury Agent Superficial- very light <100 Exfoliating stratum corneum, +/- stratum granulosum Low potency AHA Salicylic acid 10-120% TCA Retinoic acid Superficial- light 100 Necrosis of entire epidermis to basal layer, stimulate regeneration of new epithelium 40-70% GA/AHA 22-30% TCA Jessner solution ViPeel Medium depth 200 Wound epidermis and papillary dermis, +/- upper reticular dermis; new collagen production 22-50% TCA (not recommended) Jessner + 35% TCA 70% glycolic+ 35% TCA Hetter VL (phenol) Deep >400 Necrosis of part or all mid reticular dermis; new collagen production >50% TCA Hetter Baker-Gordon peel

Modified from Table 1: Facial Plast Surg. 2014 Feb;30(1):26-34. doi: 10.1055/s-0033-1364220. Epub 2014 Jan 31.

PEELING AGENTS IN DEEP PEELS – PHENOL AND CROTON OIL

• Phenol
• Denatures proteins, inactivated enzymes, increasing permeability of cell membranes, inducing cell death,

numbs skin

• Goes to reticular dermis
• ViPeel 10-14% phenol (light to medium peel) and doesn’t require monitoring
• Croton oil
• Concentration determines the depth of the peel
• Baker/Gordon Peel 50% croton oil and phenol (deep)
• Hetter 30% croton oil and phenol (deep, more control)
• Toxic at high concentrations to kidney, used to require IV placement, cardiac monitoring and prior

lab testing

BAKER GORDON PEEL

• Baker gordon
• Phenol + croton oil +

septisol

• High concentration of

croton oil – DENSE FROST

• Wounding to reticular

dermis

• Significant

hypopigmentation can

• ccur = “alabaster statue”

appearance

• Renal, cardiopulmonary

toxicity and

• Requires monitoring

Monheit 1995 Bensimon (Aesthetic Surg J 2008;28:33–45.)

CLINICAL ENDPOINTS OF PEELS

• Crystallization at surface with salicylic acid

(do not confuse with frosting – protein denaturation)

• Erythema
• Frost (salicylic acid, TCA)
• Speckled frost (Jessners is not confluent)
• *** Frost is different than laser where depth

is set, so medium and deeper peels should

• nly be performed by experienced

practitioner

DEFROSTING IN ANY PEEL

• Always watch for defrosting and remember areas already treated, since mistakenly

can re-apply to already frosted and denatured area

SKIN OF COLOR PATIENTS

• Deep peels should be avoided in skin type IV-VI
• Superficial and medium-depth peels can still be reliably used in this

population

• Salicylic acid, glycolic acid and Jessners peels used for pseudofolliculitis

barbae (PFB)

• 1. Duffy DM. Avoiding complications. In: Tung RC, Rubin MG, editors. Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology Series: Chemical Peels (2nd ed). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2011; pp. 151–

72.

• 2. Salam A, Dadzie OE, Galadari H. Chemical peeling in ethnic skin: an update. Br J Dermatol 2013;169(Suppl 3):82–90.
• 3. Roberts WE. Chemical peeling in ethnic/dark skin. Dermatol Ther 2004;17:196–205
• 4. Monheit GD. Combinations of therapy. In: Tung RC, Rubin MG, editors. Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology Series: Chemical Peels (2nd ed). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2011; pp.

133–50.

• 5. Cortez EA, Fedok FG, Mangat DS. Chemical peels: panel discussion. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am 2014;22:1–23.
• 6. Grimes PE. Chemical peels in dark skin. In: Tosti A, Grimes PE, De Padova MP

, editors. Color Atlas of Chemical Peels. Berlin, Germany: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg; 2006; pp. 139–48. 7 R ll P K AM Ch i l l f d k ki F i l Pl S Cli N h A 2010 18 111 31

SKIN OF COLOR PATIENTS

• Ethnic skin patients to avoid retinoids and other exfoliants at least 7 days before a peel

to reduce risk of greater peel penetration and potential post- inflammatory pigmentary changes

• Pre-peel regimen that includes bleaching agents, such as hydroquinone, to mitigate

induction of dyschromias

• 1. Duffy DM. Avoiding complications. In: Tung RC, Rubin MG, editors. Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology Series: Chemical Peels (2nd ed). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2011; pp. 151–

72.

• 2. Salam A, Dadzie OE, Galadari H. Chemical peeling in ethnic skin: an update. Br J Dermatol 2013;169(Suppl 3):82–90.
• 3. Roberts WE. Chemical peeling in ethnic/dark skin. Dermatol Ther 2004;17:196–205
• 4. Monheit GD. Combinations of therapy. In: Tung RC, Rubin MG, editors. Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology Series: Chemical Peels (2nd ed). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2011; pp.

133–50.

• 5. Cortez EA, Fedok FG, Mangat DS. Chemical peels: panel discussion. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am 2014;22:1–23.
• 6. Grimes PE. Chemical peels in dark skin. In: Tosti A, Grimes PE, De Padova MP

, editors. Color Atlas of Chemical Peels. Berlin, Germany: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg; 2006; pp. 139–48. 7 R ll P K AM Ch i l l f d k ki F i l Pl S Cli N h A 2010 18 111 31

PEELING SKIN OF COLOR PATIENTS

• In skin of color pt, it is recommended to start with low concentrations
• f peeling agents such as tretinoin, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and

Jessners solution

• These peels have a lower risk of postprocedure complications

compared with superficial trichloroacetic acid (TCA) (25–30%) peels

Jackson A. Chemical peels. Facial Plast Surg. 2014 Feb;30(1):26-34. doi: 10.1055/s-0033-1364220. Epub 2014 Jan

• 31. PubMed PMID: 24488634.

PEELING SKIN OF COLOR PATIENTS

• When TCA concentrations of 10 to 30% are utilized in skin types IV

to VI, frost is not desired in dark skin because it increases the risk

• f adverse events such as pigmentation and scarring
• Pre-condition the skin with HQ and retinoid, SPF for weeks to

months before peeling

Jackson A. Chemical peels. Facial Plast Surg. 2014 Feb;30(1):26-34. doi: 10.1055/s-0033-1364220. Epub 2014 Jan

• 31. PubMed PMID: 24488634.

SALICYLIC ACID PEEL FOR ACNE SCARS

Fabbrocini G, Annunziata MC, D'Arco V, De Vita V, Lodi G, Mauriello MC, Pastore F, Monfrecola G. Acne scars: pathogenesis, classification and treatment. Dermatol Res Pract. 2010;2010:893080. doi: 10.1155/2010/893080. Epub 2010 Oct 14. PubMed PMID: 20981308; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC2958495.

• P. E. Grimes, “The safety and efficacy of salicylic acid chemical peels in darker racial-ethnic groups,” Dermatologic Surgery, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 18–22, 1999.
• Best peel results are achieved in macular scars, and icepick and rolling cannot disappear as

easy

• Best chemical peel for acne scars is salicylic acid peels since help with acne as well
• Beta hydroxy acid agent which removes intercellular lipids that are covalently linked to the

cornified envelope surrounding cornified epithelioid cells

• Persistent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or scarring are very rare and for this reason it

is used to treat dark skin

SALICYLIC ACID PEEL FOR ACNE SCARS (CONT)

Fabbrocini G, Annunziata MC, D'Arco V, De Vita V, Lodi G, Mauriello MC, Pastore F, Monfrecola G. Acne scars: pathogenesis, classification and treatment. Dermatol Res Pract. 2010;2010:893080. doi: 10.1155/2010/893080. Epub 2010 Oct 14. PubMed PMID: 20981308; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC2958495.

• P. E. Grimes, “The safety and efficacy of salicylic acid chemical peels in darker racial-ethnic groups,” Dermatologic Surgery, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 18–22, 1999.
• Salicylism:
• Rapid breathing, tinnitus, hearing loss, dizziness, abdominal cramps, and central nervous system

symptoms

• salicylic acid toxicity
• observed with 20% salicylic acid applied to 50% of the body (be cautious when peeling face, neck

and back same day)

SALICYLIC ACID PEEL FOR ACNE SCARS

Grimes PE. The safety and efficacy of salicylic acid chemical peels in darker racial-ethnic groups. Dermatol Surg. 1999 Jan;25(1):18-22. PubMed PMID: 9935087.

• salicylic acid 20% and 30%, performed at 2 week intervals

SALICYLIC ACID PEEL AND ISOTRETINOIN FOR ACNE

1. Spring et al. Isotretinoin and Timing of Procedural Interventions: A Systematic Review With Consensus Recommendations. JAMA Dermatol. 2017 Aug 1;153(8):802-809. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.2077. Review. PubMed PMID: 28658462. 2. Kar BR, Tripathy S, Panda M. Comparative study of oral isotretinoin versus oral isotretinoin + 20% salicylic Acid peel in the treatment of active acne. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2013 Oct;6(4):204-8. doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.123403. PubMed PMID: 24470716; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3884884. 3. Kontochristopoulos G, Platsidaki E. Chemical peels in active acne and acne scars. Clin Dermatol. 2017 Mar - Apr;35(2):179-182. doi: 10 1016/j li d t l 2016 10 011 E b 2016 O t 27 P bM d PMID 28274356

• Literature classically contraindicated procedures during

isotretinoin therapy

• Recent article showed that non-aggressive procedures such as

light peels safe to use

• Karr et al in 2013 showed that 20% sal acid peels done at 2-wk

intervals showed improved MASI scores sooner than isotretinoin alone probably due to decreased sebo-production

• Potential way to decrease inflammation with isotretinoin tx and

see results sooner

CROSS TECHNIQUE FOR ACNE SCARS

Fabbrocini G, Annunziata MC, D'Arco V, De Vita V, Lodi G, Mauriello MC, Pastore F, Monfrecola G. Acne scars: pathogenesis, classification and treatment. Dermatol Res Pract. 2010;2010:893080. doi: 10.1155/2010/893080. Epub 2010 Oct 14. PubMed PMID: 20981308; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC2958495.

• Chemical reconstruction of skin scars = CROSS
• When you don’t have an ablative or non-ablative

laser for acne scars

• When you have many ice-pick scars
• 90% TCA is often used, but lower TCA concentration

(50%) has similar results and much less adverse reactions

• Would not perform in skin of color pt type >IV

TCA VS CO2 FOR XANTHELASMA

• Both TCA peeling 70% and carbon dioxide laser ablation showed more significant clinical

efficacy and tolerability with least number of sessions in the treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum than 50% and 35% TCA peeling

• Post-therapy erythema and hypopigmentation seen more with TCA 70%
• Post-therapy hyperpigmentation was more with TCA (50%)

Mourad B, Elgarhy LH, Ellakkawy HA, Elmahdy N. Assessment of efficacy and tolerability of different concentrations of trichloroacetic acid vs. carbon dioxide laser in treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015 Sep;14(3):209-15. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12148. Epub 2015 Aug 7. PubMed PMID: 26251333.

COMBINATION TX WITH PEELS FOR ACNE SCARRING

• Cochrane review did not support use of peel as first line as monotherapy or combination with
• ther non-invasive treatments
• One study showed combining microneedling with 20% TCA peel, improved with NAFL
• CROSS technology 100% TCA comparable to 1,550 Erbium:glass fractional
• 1. Abdel Hay R, Shalaby K, Zaher H, Hafez V, et al. Interventions for acne scars. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016;4:CD011946.
• 2. Leheta TM, Abdel Hay RM, Hegazy RA, El Garem YF. Do combined alternating sessions of 1540 nm nonablative fractional laser and percutaneous collagen induction with

trichloroacetic acid 20% show better results than each individual modality in the treatment of atrophic acne scars? A randomized controlled trial. J Dermatolog Treat 2014;25: 137–41.

• 3. Kim HJ, Kim TG, Kwon YS, Park JM, et al. Comparison of a 1,550 nm erbium: glass fractional laser and a chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS) method in the

treatment of acne scars: a simultaneous split-face trial. Lasers Surg Med 2009;41:545–9.

Comparison of a 1,550 nm Erbium:Glass Fractional Laser and a Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars (CROSS) Method in the Treatment of Acne Scars: A Simultaneous Split-Face Trial

• Er:Glass fractionated non-ablative laser treated three times 6

weeks apart

• CROSS treated 2 times every 12 weeks
• Both as effective for acne scar tx (including ice-pick), but laser more

effective in rolling scars

• Grades of pain was significantly more for laser
• Downtime and lasting days of erythema was more for CROSS
• F/u 3 mos after last treatment

Kim HJ, Kim TG, Kwon YS, Park JM, Lee JH. Comparison of a 1,550 nm Erbium: glass fractional laser and a chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS) method in the treatment of acne scars: a simultaneous split-face trial. Lasers Surg Med. 2009 Oct;41(8):545-9. doi: 10.1002/lsm.20796. PubMed PMID: 19639620.

MELASMA AND PEELS

• Peels are most useful for the epidermal-type melasma, with the dermal type being almost

resistant to the effect of chemical peels

• In patients with skin of color, however, the correct choice of peel as well as priming and

maintenance regimens is essential in ensuring their efficacy while minimizing PIH

• Combination therapy is best approach to challenging cases

Pandya article on Melasma treatment: Rodrigues M, Pandya AG. Melasma: clinical diagnosis and management options. Australas J Dermatol. 2015 Aug;56(3):151-63. doi: 10.1111/ajd.12290. Epub 2015. Mar 9. Review. PubMed PMID: 25754098.

MELASMA AND PEELS (CONT)

• Recommended superficial peels for melasma include:
• TCA [10%–30%] peel
• Twice monthly salicylic acid peels [25%–30%]
• Combined peel with salicylic acid [25%] and TCA gel [10%]
• Monthly medium peels using pyruvic acid [40%]

1. Fabbrocini G, De Padova MP , Tosti A. Superficial to medium-depth peels: a personal experience. In: Tung RC, Rubin MG, editors. Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology Series: Chemical Peels (2nd ed). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2011; pp. 123–32. 2. Iorizzo M, Tosti A, De Padova MP. Melasma. In: Tosti A, Grimes PE, De Padova MP , editors. Color Atlas of Chemical Peels. Berlin, Germany: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg; 2006; pp. 149–59. 3. Nadela RE. Chemical peeling for melasma. In: Handog EB, Enriquez- Macarayo MJ, editors. Melasma and Vitiligo in Brown Skin. New Delhi, India: Springer; 2017; pp. 133–5.

MELASMA AND PEELS (CONT)

• Glycolic acid peels >50% work better with topical regimen like Kligman formula
• i.e. Kligman’s formula -5% hydroquinone, 0.05% tretinoin and 1% hydrocortisone
• Pre-treatment with hydroquinone may enhance improvement but based on current studies, GA

peels are best used as adjunctive therapy

• GA peels should be used with caution at higher concentrations in those with skin of color but at

lower concentrations, they are the safest and most efficacious peels to use in this group

1. Fabbrocini G, De Padova MP , Tosti A. Superficial to medium-depth peels: a personal experience. In: Tung RC, Rubin MG, editors. Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology Series: Chemical Peels (2nd ed). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2011; pp. 123–32. 2. Iorizzo M, Tosti A, De Padova MP. Melasma. In: Tosti A, Grimes PE, De Padova MP , editors. Color Atlas of Chemical Peels. Berlin, Germany: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg; 2006; pp. 149–59. 3. Nadela RE. Chemical peeling for melasma. In: Handog EB, Enriquez- Macarayo MJ, editors. Melasma and Vitiligo in Brown Skin. New Delhi, India: Springer; 2017; pp. 133–5.

SALICYLIC ACID PEEL FOR MELASMA

Grimes PE. The safety and efficacy of salicylic acid chemical peels in darker racial-ethnic groups. Dermatol Surg. 1999 Jan;25(1):18-22. PubMed PMID: 9935087.

• Salicylic acid 20%-30%
• Pre-treated with 4%

hydroquinone for 2 wks

• Peels were performed at 2 week

intervals

• Although another study showed

SA and 4% HQ were equivalent in tx

MELASMA AND PEELS: TCA

• While commonly used in concentrations of between 10–20% in lighter skin types with good short-

term results for epidermal melasma, TCA peels should be used with caution in those with skin of color due to the risk of post- peel PIH and scarring

• Kumari and colleagues found, in a comparative study with 40 Indian women, similar efficacy

between six TCA peels and 10–35% GA peels

• GA peels, however, were more tolerable with fewer side-effects and have rejuvenating properties

than TCA peels

• Combination peels like ViPeels have smaller concentrations of TCA, and are more tolerable with

less side effects

R, Thappa DM. Comparative study of trichloroacetic acid versus glycolic acid chemical peels in the treatment of melasma. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2010 Jul-Aug;76(4):447. doi: 10.4103/0378-6323.66602. PubMed PMID: 20657143.

DEEP PEELS IN MELASMA AND SKIN OF COLOR

• While peels are a reasonable adjunct in the treatment of melasma, they rarely suffice as

monotherapy

• The decision to use medium peels in those with skin of color must be made with caution due to the

risk of PIH

• In this group, superficial peels are the safest to use with hydroquinone pretreatment priming and

careful post-procedure instructions on sun protection and ongoing topical therapy

Split-face comparative study of 1550 nm fractional photothermolysis and trichloroacetic acid 15% chemical peeling for facial melasma in Asian skin

• Both 1550 FP and 15% TCA peeling improved

melasma, but rebound occurred

• At the 12-week follow-up, patient assessment of

improvement had significantly decreased, to approximately 25%, with respect to both treatment modalities

• No skin prepping was done for participants

Hong SP, Han SS, Choi SJ, Kim MS, Won CH, Lee MW, Choi JH, Moon KC, Kim YJ, Chang SE. Split-face comparative study of 1550 nm fractional photothermolysis and trichloroacetic acid 15% chemical peeling for facial melasma in Asian skin. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2012 Apr;14(2):81-6. doi: 10.3109/14764172.2012.655287. Epub 2012 Feb 28. PubMed PMID: 22372386.

A randomized, observer-blinded, comparison of combined 1064-nm Q- switched neodymium-doped yttrium–aluminium–garnet laser plus 30% glycolic acid peel vs. laser monotherapy to treat melasma

• Mixed type melasma
• Weekly QS Nd:Yag with GA every 2

weeks vs GA alone

• Greater improvement for the combined

therapy side 32.6% vs. 22.0%, P < 0.001

• Results maintained 5 months out from last

tx

Park KY, Kim DH, Kim HK, Li K, Seo SJ, Hong CK. A randomized, observer-blinded, comparison of combined 1064-nm Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser plus 30% glycolic acid peel

• vs. laser monotherapy to treat melasma. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2011 Dec;36(8):864-70. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2011.04150.x. Epub 2011 Oct 5. PubMed PMID: 21973194.

Treatment of melasma in men with low-fluence Q-switched neodymium- doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser versus combined laser and glycolic acid peeling.

• Mixed type melasma in men
• 5 weekly sessions of LFQS on one side of the face and LFQS plus

30% GA peeling on the contralateral side and were followed for 12 weeks

• Partially rebound at 12 weeks f/u
• Idiopathic guttate hypopigmentation (8.3%)

Vachiramon V, Sahawatwong S, Sirithanabadeekul P. Treatment of melasma in men with low-fluence Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser versus combined laser and glycolic acid peeling. Dermatol Surg. 2015 Apr;41(4):457-65. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000304. PubMed PMID: 25760554.2. Kauvar AN. Successful treatment of melasma using a combination of microdermabrasion and Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers. Lasers Surg Med 2012;44:117–24.

Treatment of melasma in men with low-fluence Q-switched neodymium- doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser versus combined laser and glycolic acid peeling.

• Idiopathic guttate hypopigmentation (8.3%)
• Avoid aggressive or too frequent QS laser tx
• Use low fluences 1.5j/cm2 (Kauvar et al.)
• Combination peeling in darker skin types with lower fluences

may be the future of

Vachiramon V, Sahawatwong S, Sirithanabadeekul P. Treatment of melasma in men with low-fluence Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser versus combined laser and glycolic acid peeling. Dermatol Surg. 2015 Apr;41(4):457-65. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000304. PubMed PMID: 25760554.2. Kauvar AN. Successful treatment of melasma using a combination of microdermabrasion and Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers. Lasers Surg Med 2012;44:117–24.

THANK YOU! ANY QUESTIONS?

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